Costumes of Arunachal Pradesh

The vividness and extravagance found in the life of the people of this “Land of the Rising Sun” is reflected in the multiple hues of the costumes of the people. The people of Arunachal Pradesh exude their love for colour in the exquisite patterns of their clothes. All these mirror their deep interest in the aestheticism of embellishment.

The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are of the Mongoloid descent and exude uniqueness in the way they dress. The Monpas, inhabiting the Bomdila range, follow Buddhism which renders a special characteristic to their way of dressing that of the culture of Tibet. Woolen coats along with trousers are worn in the Tibetan style. Body parts of the animals form an integral part of not only their food but also their dresses. The skullcap that they attire themselves in is a perfect example of the same. The Monpas also get dressed in Jacket which is worn above a sleeveless chemise. Accessories are inseparable from the lives of the women of this tribe and they usually adorn themselves in bamboo made earrings and silver rings.

The Miris have yet another tinge that stands out from others in their special “crinoline” made out of cane rings and is worn as a blouse.

The Shredukpen tribe resembles the Monpas in their sense of dressing. They are usually clad in a knee-long sleeveless dress made of silk and the Gurdam skull caps with yak’s hair in it which render uniqueness to their dressing sense. Moreover, the costumes are made keeping in mind the erratic climate. Besides the Sherdukpen men wear accessories too which include sword, sheath, etc adorning their waist. Bogre (a fibrous cloth) is yet another variety that is worn around the shoulders and is fastened to form a fold towards the back.

Tangsa tribe resort to the costume style of the Burmese people. These robust people belonging to the Naga tribe wear green lungi woven intricately with yarns of different colours. It is accompanied with a sleeveless shirt. The women wear an attractive petticoat woven with multi-hued yarns and a blouse at the top.

The Miji tribe women get attired in a special white cloak till the length of the ankle. This renders them a pristine look. Red jacket, big earrings and necklaces adds to the beautification. In another case, the men wear helmets made of cane which gives them a unique look and an outstanding feature. The Adi and the Apatani tribes too exude the same vividness and zeal towards life through the medium of their clothes. The rare view of tribal artistry and aesthetic appeal of the costumes of Arunachal Pradesh gives it the place that it is standing on today.